(a) Applicability. This section applies to Water Quality Management Plan (WQMP) Updates.
(b) Notice of WQMP updates.
  (1) The chief clerk shall publish notice of the WQMP update in the Texas Register.
  (2) The chief clerk shall mail the notice of the WQMP update to persons known to the commission to be interested in the WQMP update, and to persons requesting notices of the WQMP identified on mailing lists maintained by the chief clerk, in accordance with §39.407 of this title (relating to Mailing Lists).
  (3) Section 39.411 of this title (relating to Text of Public Notice) does not apply to WQMP updates. However, the notice of the WQMP update shall:
    (A) include the name and address of the agency;
    (B) provide an opportunity to submit written comments on the proposed WQMP update;
    (C) describe the public comment procedures and the time and place of any public meeting; and
    (D) include the name, address, and telephone number of an agency contact person from whom interested persons may obtain information.
  (4) The notice shall provide at least a 30-day public comment period.
  (5) Any public meeting shall be held and conducted in accordance with the requirements and procedures of §55.156 of this title (relating to Public Comment Processing).
(c) The executive director shall prepare a response to all significant public comments received by the commission before the end of the comment period. The executive director may revise the WQMP update based on public comment, if appropriate.
(d) As described in §50.133 of this title (relating to Executive Director Action on Application or WQMP Update), the executive director may certify the WQMP update.
(e) After the executive director certifies a WQMP update, the Chief Clerk shall mail a copy of the Response to Comments and certified WQMP update to all persons who submitted timely comments.

Source Note: The provisions of this §39.553 adopted to be effective September 23, 1999, 24 TexReg 8190